PPP in computerized passenger reservation system – Oppose by Trade Unions

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF  RAILWAYS

RAJYA SABHA

ANSWERED ON  28.11.2014

(a) whether it is a fact that Railways have decided to allow Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the establishment and operation of computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) cum- unreserved Ticketing System terminals;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that railway trade unions have opposed this move as the outsourcing of such activities to private parties will result in discrepancies and frauds; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and Government’s reaction thereto?

ANSWER

(a) and (b): Yes, Sir. With a view to expanding the facilities for issue of tickets (both reserved and unreserved), Ministry of Railways have decided to allow public private partnership in establishment and operation of computerised Passenger Reservation System(PRS)-cum Unreserved Ticketing System(UTS) terminals at centres which shall be called Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra (YTSK). As per this scheme, all the authorised ticketing agents, who have worked for at least five years in providing railway ticketing (reserved/ unreserved) services for passengers of Indian Railways are eligible to become YTSK licensee.

(c) and (d): The Federations had represented on the apprehensions of reduction of staff/staff becoming surplus, exploitation of the public by private players etc. The dialogue with Federations was held and their apprehensions regarding the reduction of staff were allayed. A large number of safeguards have been built in the YTSK Scheme to avoid its misuse which include, the restrictions relating to the opening time for booking of reservation at the YTSK counters for general as well as “Tatkal” booking, taking adequate financial security, not allowing booking of concessional tickets (except senior citizens tickets), non-availability of facility of block booking etc., restricted facility for cancellation of tickets, etc. Moreover, as the control of the booking windows is with Indian Railways, the connection can be disabled immediately, if any malpractice comes to notice.

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